An large, unexpected monetary gift has outfitted Sequim’s firefighters and paramedics with four “Jaws of Life” devices.

Clallam County Fire District 3 officials report that a longtime supporter of the district recently walked into Fire Chief Ben Andrews’ office and handed him a cashier’s check for $50,000, with two stipulations: that the funds be used to improve the district’s service, and that the donor remain anonymous.

District staff then made a recommendation to the District 3 Board of Commissioners during the Nov. 19 commissioners meeting that the money be used to purchase four new, battery-operated “Jaws of Life” devices for the first-out apparatus.

Commissioners approved the recommendation.

“The district is humbled by the generous gift and believes this is the best use of the donated funds,” Andrews said in a press release.

District 3 Operations Chief Tony Hudson said he had planned on replacing the district’s “Jaws” devices over the next three years.

The district’s “Jaws” equipment was purchased more than 10 years ago and are becoming unrepairable, Hudson said.

“Jaws,” or “extrication equipment” are used to free victims involved in auto accidents and other related types of calls with entrapment, fire district officials explained.

Hudson had received a quote of $48,000 to replace all four extrication tools. With the donation, the district will be able to replace all of the battery operated “Jaws” in one purchase.

“With winter approaching, and the likelihood of increased motor vehicle accidents, these tools will be a vast improvement from what the district has been using,” Andrews said in a press release.

“The sooner victims are free from the wreckage of an automobile accident, the sooner first responders can get them to definitive care at a hospital.

For more about the donation, contact Andrews at bandrews@ccfd3.org.